You need a visa for Ireland
You need an Employment (Scientific Researcher) Visa and other authorisations to come to Ireland to work.
Your exact preparations depend on your plans and personal circumstances. Some of the most important are described below. Read this information carefully to make sure you have everything you need.
You are from a visa required country and you wish to work as a researcher in Ireland for longer than 3 months. Change your answers
Before you travel
Apply for immigration permission to work
You must apply for and receive immigration permission to work in Ireland before you apply for a visa.
You must have a job offer or employment contract to apply. You will not be allowed to work in Ireland if you do not get immigration permission.
Apply for an Employment (Scientific Researcher) Visa
After you receive permission to work, apply for a long stay Employment (Scientific Researcher) Visa. All long stay visas are also called 'D' visas.
You will not be allowed to come to Ireland without a visa.
When you travel
Prepare for border control
You will need to prove that you have a valid reason for entering Ireland to an immigration officer at border control.
To do so, you will need your passport, visa, original Hosting Agreement (or original working permission letter) and other documents.
If you cannot satisfy the immigration officer, you will not be allowed into Ireland.
After you enter
Apply for permission to stay & register with immigration
After you enter the country, you must apply for permission to stay in Ireland and register with immigration before the date shown by the stamp in your passport.
If you don't get permission and register in time, you may have to leave the country.
Exceptions & special programmes
Academic visiting a university or educational institution in Ireland
There are special conditions for visiting academics.
In summary, you can work in Ireland for up to 9 months though you cannot be paid by the institution you are visiting. However, you can continue to be paid by your home university or another institution outside this country.
During your stay
Bringing your family to Ireland
If you are working under a Hosting Agreement, your family can apply to join you in Ireland. However, your family must be listed as part of the Hosting Agreement.
Your family cannot join you if you are working under the Atypical Working Scheme (unless otherwise approved).
Travel to Northern Ireland & United Kingdom
You cannot travel to Northern Ireland using an Irish visa. You need a visa issued by the United Kingdom.
If you travel from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland and then wish to return to the Republic, you must have a valid multi entry visa or a valid Irish Residence Permit (IRP) or GNIB card.
Leaving & returning to Ireland
If you plan to leave Ireland for a short period and then come back again, you must have a valid multi entry visa or a valid Irish Residence Permit (IRP) or GNIB card.
If you leave without a multi entry visa or a valid Irish Residence Permit (IRP) or GNIB card, you will not be allowed back into the country, you will have to apply again for a new visa.
How to apply
When to apply
You should apply for a visa 3 months before you travel.
You may need extra time to prepare documents to support your application, eg your Hosting Agreement.
How to apply
You must apply from your home country or a country where you are a legal resident:
- Read detailed instructions for the Employment (Scientific Researcher) Visa
- Submit your visa application online
- Send your passport and other documents for processing
You will be given instructions where to send your documents when you apply online.
Visa costs
- €60 : Long Stay 'D' Visa
- €60 : Visa single entry (valid for 90 days)
- €100 : Visa multiple entry
- Some applicants do not pay visa fees
Extra charges may apply for some applications, eg consular fees.
Other costs
To register with immigration (after you arrive in Ireland):
Help & information
Visas
Visa Division
Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service
Department of Justice and Equality
13-14 Burgh Quay
Dublin 2
Ireland
D02 XK70
Email: visamail@justice.ie
Registration
Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service
Department of Justice and Equality
13-14 Burgh Quay
Dublin 2
Ireland
D02 XK70
Email: burghquayregoffice@justice.ie (if you live in Dublin)
Email: gnib_dv@garda.ie (if you live outside Dublin)
Contact
If you have questions, contact us.
Updated: 13 May 2019
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